CalStar opens its second plant

Caledonia, Wisconsin-based CalStar Products has made its first expansion to a new manufacturing facility, located in Columbus, Mississippi.

The new 100,000-sq.-ft. facility expands CalStar's geographic footprint from its existing facility in Racine, Wisconsin, located in the Golden Triangle Industrial Park near the Alabama border. The location also provides proximity to areas where brick and masonry are in-demand for residential and commercial facades, as well as raw materials for lighter color options.

At the moment, it's running two lines using CalStar's sustainable manufacturing process: a dry-cast line for manufacturing its Holland pavers and brick and Thru-Wall units, and a semi-automated wet cast line for its stone trim and accent pieces.

"We're excited to welcome CalStar Products to Columbus," said Joe Max Higgins, CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK, the region's economic development organization. "CalStar will bring nearly 60 jobs to the area, and we have the skilled workforce to fulfill those needs. We look forward to the continued success for both the company and the community."

New products are also expected to come out of the facility, including an Ambassador brick, Roman brick, Norman brick, King brick and more, the company said.